Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really Matter

I have had this little book for years. I had read other books about organizing, and basically getting my life together, but none of them had the impact of this book (and in much fewer pages, I might add!) I consider it a reference book of sorts. If my life, my schedule, or my space start to get a little too crowded, I flip through the pages of this book to get re-inspired to purge, curate, evaluate and simplify my life. Every time I create more margin in my life, I feel lighter & more joyful. But old habits die hard! I have a tendency to over schedule and accumulate. I am so glad I found this book and I am grateful to Elaine Saint James for her no-nonsense, logical and humorous way of making me realize the negative impact a complicated life has on me. I know him not the only one! Read the book and get inspired!

I bought this book many years ago when it first came out and absolutely loved it. About once a year or so, I go back and re-read it to get my head on straight about the subject of simplification (pull myself back from slipping into the complicated). Not everything in the book is for everyone (including me), but it really makes you think. About 15 years ago, we bought a larger house than we absolutely needed and proceeded to throw things into the basement storage area, kitchen cabinets, etc. because "we had the room" and "we might need this some day". After living that way for years, we developed quite a pile of unused stuff and it began feeling very over-whelming. It has taken us several years to eliminate most of the clutter and to begin to let go of stuff we don't need but felt guilty about getting rid of. It is an on-going journey and this book really helps! One thing comes into the house, one thing must go back out. Many people think of simplification as moving to a cabin in the woods, but the reality for many of us is that we need to simplify in place. Look at your existing situation and make incremental improvements. Over time, they really add up and I feel much, much freer than when we started this program. The simple wardrobe has significantly cut down the amount of time I spend shopping (and has saved hundreds of dollars), the suggestion for don't answer the phone just because it's ringing has saved us many a meal-time (or just quiet time), keep your plants outdoors was obvious once I read it and wonderful in practice. There are also some very "deep" steps such as cleaning up relationships that are no longer working for you which are enormously helpful. I have spent the past couple of years making sure that friendships I develop are healthy and fulfilling and cleaning up some old relationships where I just got sucked into relationships with needy, toxic folks. That alone saved hours of time and a great deal of stress and strain. I just can't say enough about this book as well as her other publications. The whole approach is simple and logical .... just start somewhere and get going. You will find yourself in a store thinking about purchases before you make them and only bringing things into your home and life that truly add value. What an absolutely fabulous book for a beginning simplifier or someone who needs a refresher on a different philosophy of life.

The subtitle describes this book well - "100 ways to slow down and enjoy the things that really matter". The key words in this subtitle are, "enjoy the things that really matter". The book has many good suggestions from cutting your laundering chore in half to drop call waiting! The book is written for those who are overwhelmed and overextended and is full of simple tips that can relieve some of these feeling. It is a simple book to read, but one that has many good suggestions, actually 100 suggestions, for simplifying your life. No matter where you are on your journey to a simplier life, this is a great book to read and start implementing tips to allow you time to do the things you really enjoy!

Elaine's is the first book that gave me the courage to throw or give the stuff away instead of just pushing it around. In the spaces I've created, I'm crafting a comfortable place to just be. Thanks, Elaine.

This book changed my life! It really helps you to see what you can change in your life to make it better. I read this book at the beginning of every year. If you are stressed out and ready to get off the roller coaster of today's world, this book is for you!

There's a few recent naysayers who reviewed this book and were very negative, but remember, a lot of people are very defensive about any suggestions that go against the grain of how they've lived their entire lives. Also, a lot of people are consumed with keeping up with the Jones'.This book is not about being a hermit, being cheap, or giving away all your possessions. It's about keeping those things that contribute positively to your life and discarding the rest. Getting to the essence of things if you will. Most people wear 20% or less of their wardrobe. Why not then give the other 80% to friends and charities and enjoy a clutter free closet where you can easily find what you are looking for? If you find yourself stressed out going to 10 holiday parties, then try going to only 2 and see how you feel. I came across this book in 1994, and have gradually employed a lot of the ideas. I've found a few things that I tried that weren't for me, but overall it's been a huge positive in my life. It's great not being choked with possessions and clutter. It's freed up so much time to do volunteer work, exercise more, enjoy the outdoors more, and just to drink my coffee slow in the morning.This book is fantastic for those who wish their lives to focus on doing and contributing and experiencing, rather than buying, consuming, storing, moving, weeding-through, tripping-over, collecting, and trying to impress.